Let's be honest. Valentine's Day can be awkward and fraught with peril. Expectations are so high and so is the failure rate. We're here to help. We know a lot about romance because, well, we've been a part of so many first dates, proposals, weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. We've seen what works and what doesn't. And so we offer a few tips: First of all, be sincere. Celebrate your relationship appropriate to where it is. Remember, the best gifts come from the heart. If it's a new Valentine, keep it simple and forward-looking. If it's a Valentine of many years, celebrate the journey in a way that connects you emotionally. Whatever stage your relationship is, avoid cliché gifts and think twice about extravagant gifts designed to impress rather than to please. That doesn't mean you shouldn't give a popular gift like chocolates or flowers or something expensive. Just make sure that it comes from a special place and expresses thoughtfulness. For example, something sweet from a local specialist like Andre's Confiserie Suisse locally handcrafted chocolates, Annedore's macarons or exquisite Christopher Elbow Chocolates, or a fragrant bouquet from a local shop like The Fiddly Fig or Crestwood Flowers shows more effort and thought than something from the neighborhood supermarket. Foodies. The third most popular way to celebrate Valentine's Day is a romantic dinner. And really, what could be better literally or figuratively than a slow dance of romance that builds through a multi-course dinner with wines or cocktails? Here is a can't miss list of five reliably romantic restaurants you can choose from based on type of cuisine and area of town you want to visit: Bluestem in Westport, operated by James Beard award-winning chefs Colby and Megan Garrelts, features multi-course prix fixe menus with some of the most innovative cuisine in the city. Chaz on the Plaza is a classic Plaza steak and seafood restaurant that showcases local composers and musicians nightly to provide the music as you waltz through sumptuous courses prepared by rising-star Chef Joe Cizek and his staff. Le Fou Frog is the place to go for exceptional French cuisine in unpretentious quarters in the River Market. Novel is writing the great American food story with intriguing dishes and a continually evolving menu from a Westside Victorian cottage. Oesteria Il Centro is a locally owned Italian bistro that is quaint and cozy, serving up authentic Italian dishes and award-winning wines at a good value. Art Lovers: Take the day off from work and treat your sweetie to an immersion in Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with lunch in the museum's timeless Rozelle Court. Whether you and your Valentine are drawn to sculptures (Atalanta and Meleager with the Catalonia Boar by Francesca Mosca), favor impressionist paintings by Cezanne and Matisse, works by Flemish and Dutch masters or contemporary pieces by Jackson Pollack, you will be inspired. Equally wonderful, is a trip to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art with lunch or dinner in Café Sebastienne (dinner served Friday and Saturday only, but hey, you don't have to celebrate Valentine's Day on the day.  Nature Lovers: Some of the best things in life are free. Take your Valentine for a stroll through the Country Club Plaza or around Loose Park, located two blocks south of The Raphael. The Indian Creek/Tomahawk Creek trail system in southern Johnson County offers miles of paved trails through wooded areas that are perfect for Valentines who share a love of running, cycling or hiking. Swope Park offers an amazing variety of outdoor exploration. The 1,805 square acre park ranks as one of America's largest urban parks. Attractions within the zoo that require an admission fee include the Kansas City Zoo, Swope Park Golf Course, Lakeside Nature Center and Starlight Theater, but that still leaves oodles of recreational space and scenic walking trails. Romantic Getaways: Getting away from it all for even a night or two is a great way to energize your romance while sharing an experience of your hometown. Of course we are subjective, but there are many objective lists of romantic Kansas City hotels that include The Raphael Hotel. Being in the heart of the Country Club Plaza is a huge plus. The intimate style, historic charm and amenities make it an easy choice. And then there are the three packages designed for specific romantic appeals. If you prefer a more intimate B&B accommodation, the Southmoreland is KC's most acclaimed bed & breakfast, located just off the Country Club Plaza. Daytrippers should consider going west to Lawrence, 45 minutes away, and staying at the Circle S Ranch, an upscale country inn set amid the rolling hills of a working cattle ranch 15 minutes north of town. Another daytrip option is historic Weston located 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City. Overnight accommodation choices include the charming Weston Bed & Breakfast. Don't see your passion? Perhaps its sports or theater or music or history. Call 816-997-9267 and we can offer specific suggestions to help you create a memorable experience for you and your Valentine. Â